Managing Director, Communications

Purpose of Job

The Managing Director Communications is accountable for leading and overseeing the development of the Banks external and internal communications strategy.

This role drives an innovative and strategically aligned approach to communications and is critical to strengthening the Banks visibility profile and reputation among key stakeholders and the wider public both in its countries of operation and internationally. It promotes awareness of the EBRDs transition mandate mission and activities while helping to safeguard and enhance the Banks reputation.

The role closely interacts with other members of the senior management including the President as well as Board members and all the key external and internal stakeholders. The role has an Observer status within the Banks Executive Committee (ExCom) and is involved in taking wider Bank decisions beyond those in the Communications sphere.

Facts/Scale

• Three direct reports span of control of 50-55 staff.
• Responsible for an annual department budget circa 5 million pounds a year.
• Advising the President as well as other ExCom members and the Board.
• Responsible for both the Communications Strategy and helping to draw up and influence the Banks wider strategy.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic adviser to the President on the Banks internal and external communications positioning and reputation.
• Lead the development and delivery of the Banks communications strategy across media external stakeholders and internal audiences ensuring consistent engaging and impactful communications aligned with the Banks strategic priorities transformation agenda and workplace behaviours.
• Provide leadership across the Communications Department ensuring cohesion of approach alignment of messaging and effective delivery of communications services products and events that support the Banks mission.
• Advise senior leadership on building enhancing and protecting the EBRDs reputation and image including leading the Banks response to communications-related crises and reputational risks.
• Build and maintain relationships with Board members ministers and other key stakeholders to strengthen understanding and support for the Banks activities and investments.
• Act as the Banks senior spokesperson ensuring communications reflect the Banks strategic direction and business objectives.
• Contribute to the Banks strategy and decision-making as an observer member of the Executive Committee.
• Lead the evolution of the Communications Department including organisational design transformation initiatives and the adoption of emerging communications practices technologies and AI-enabled capabilities supported by appropriate governance frameworks.
• Set the Departments strategic objectives manage its resources and budget and ensure the effective delivery of high-quality communications activities and outcomes.
• Lead develop and inspire a diverse team fostering a high-performance culture and creating opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Champion and role model the Banks Workplace Behaviours ensuring the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct across the department.

This job description is not limited to the responsibilities listed above and the successful candidate may be required to undertake other duties in line with business needs.

Knowledge Skills Experience & Qualifications

• Extensive experience and expertise in corporate and/or governmental communications and media with a proven ability to strengthen organisational reputation build stakeholder confidence and advance strategic objectives through effective communications.
• A well-developed understanding of geo-political and economic issues affecting economies particularly those within the EBRDs regions.
• Proven ability to think strategically and shape innovative forward-looking communications strategies that advance the Banks objectives and reputation.
• Demonstrable judgement in dealing with sensitive communications and PR issues.
• Strong track record of providing strategic communications counsel in a complex and politically sensitive environment underpinned by exceptional political acumen and judgement in determining the most effective messaging timing channels and stakeholder engagement approaches to advance the Banks objectives and profile.
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Very strong interpersonal skills and able to build and manage relationships with people at all levels within the Banks constituencies.
• Ability to interact and operate at a high level within the Bank and with ministers from shareholder countries.
• Strong networks across media and communications in areas relevant to the Banks strategy and operations.
• Able to inspire lead and manage a large department and provide wider leadership within the Bank.
• Experience of leading and embedding innovation in communications leveraging digital channels emerging technologies and new engagement approaches to enhance the Banks reach impact and effectiveness.

Please note that we are working with an external search firm in the recruitment for this position. By applying for this position you are consenting to your details being shared with this third party. If you have any queries in relation to this role please submit enquiries to and mention EBRD MD Communications in the email subject line.

What is it like to work at the EBRD / About EBRD

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation and use your talents to make a real difference to peoples lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.

At EBRD our Values Inclusiveness Innovation Trust and Responsibility are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up collaborating smartly acting decisively with full commitment and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work fostering a positive and high-performing environment.

The EBRD environment provides you with:

• Varied stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial political public and private sectors across the regions we invest in.
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds perspectives and experiences bringing fresh ideas energy and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients shareholders and counterparties effectively.
• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust flexibility and connectedness.
• An environment that places sustainability equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.
• A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.

Diversity is one of the Banks core values which are at the heart of everything it does. As such the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial ethnic religious and cultural background gender gender identity sexual orientation age socio-economic background or disability.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications received we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).